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FUTURE SCIENCE As a young boy I was very interested in the world of science.It amazed me back then ( and still now ! ) what scientists could do and how they explored and invented things. So I created this musical Science project and composed tracks on some thoughts and how that sounds to me. I believe the titles/track names speak for themself, and sincerely hope you'll enjoy my musical interpretations of them. Thanks to family, all friends and everyone at Syngate.
To download one of the free MP3 samples from FUTURE SCIENCE click on the CD image below.
MINE WORKS
'Mineworks' contains my personal experience as a miner between 1975 and 1982. The atmosphere of underground has never left me, even after all these years. My greatest respect goes out to all those who work in the mines around the world, whether they are men, women or children. I dedicate 'Mineworks' to everyone who perished, fallen sick or died as a result of working in a mine. To download one of the free MP3 samples from The Mine works click on the CD image below.
We enter the mind of a miner and step into the cage, which descends unsteadily. It gradually gets darker. All kinds of strange noises reach our ears. Descending a mineshaft has something frightening about it, one has to adapt to another world. Once below the atmosphere is quieter. This is where mine workers feel at home. A long, lonely passageway stretches out before us. The idyllic conditions are disrupted by the sound of banging at the end. A vision? Composed Stockmans/ Perrotti
We remain lost in thought for a moment, but then we shake off our dazed state. Underground the rails stand out, a train is rushing rhythmically along. It takes us through narrow passageways to our place of work. During this short, shocking ride nobody says much. It is a moment when we can let our imagination go. We can interpret this train journey symbolically. Years before hundreds of immigrant workers - Turks, Italians, Spaniards, Poles and so on - came to Belgium in the hope of finding a better future here. But they also had to leave a lot behind. Their ability to adapt was sorely put to the test and it was often impossible to quell a sense of homesickness. The Turkish rap group 3Dakika sings and mimes about the fate of their (grand)parents who immigrated. And in the meantime my train continues on its way… Composed Stockmans
Composed Stockmans/Baertsoen/ Perrotti
4 Machine This number focuses on the chilly and inhuman nature of the coal mine. It makes a comparison with a gigantic moving piece of machinery. As mineworkers we all feel reduced to a part of a cogwheel, caught up in a giant piece of turning mechanism. Composed Stockmans
New Black Gold focuses on the human aspect of mining. On the one hand it draws a picture of the sense of camaraderie that prevails during the daily slog. On the other, our attention is drawn to the fleeting nature of the Black Gold. The routine of banging and boring… because what was first lauded as the saviour of the economy, has ended as an illusion. In retrospect we see that it was all about building castles in the air. And yet let's forget that aspect for a moment and let ourselves be seduced by the enthusiasm that originally existed. Composed Stockmans/Perrotti
6 Coal Face Here we are at the beating heart of the mine: the coalface, where coal is won either by hand or mechanically. We hear how people work together and how all kinds of signals are given. When dynamiting the face, everyone holds their breath. After this ominous moment it is impossible to suppress our sighs of relief. When the racket has faded we hear the workers and the machinery all gear up and start working again one by one. Composed Stockmans/Perrotti
7 Power Failure During serious power failures there is sometimes a reduction in ventilation. In these instances there is a danger of gas accumulating and the atmosphere becomes heavy and sleep-inducing. 'Power Failure' transports us into this state of lethargy. We slowly slip away into a state of dreaming and become involved in an esoteric whole where the dark, warm mine shafts form the core. Composed Stockmans
8 Air valve Occasionally things do not end well. Working underground involves a lot of risks: danger of cave-ins, or explosions. Miners get injured or get buried under rubble. 'Air Valve' is written as homage to the rescue teams who risk their lives to save others. We creep under the skin of a group of rescue workers on their way to liberate trapped miners. The atmosphere could be cut with a knife as every second makes a difference. There is an ever-present threat of becoming injured oneself, and breathing through the compressed air masks at high temperatures is incredibly hard work. Composed Stockmans/ Baertsoen/Perrotti
Fortunately it is not all doom and gloom. Among the miners there reigns a feeling of camaraderie and an incomparable team spirit. Where you come from is of no importance here. Down in the mine everyone is as black as the next person. And down at the coal or rock face black lung or silicosis is a risk for all miners. But the miners all arm themselves against the risks of the profession with hefty doses of humour. Composed Stockmans And finally we take a last, defeated look at the remains of the coal
industry. From the Terril we see the sun glinting off the metal towers
of the mine shafts. We realise that this chapter is now closed. We
dedicate this number to all miners and followers who look back on
the heyday of the coal mines with melancholy. Composed Stockmans/Lipsch Rocco Granata summarises the tragedy of the mining situation in a melancholic ballad. Miners who love their work and who give their all to it, even their health. This track is written in "cité" German, a German sounding language, typical in Flemish/Limburg mining estates where the vocabulary is a mix of different European languages. Composed & played Rocco Granata
All tracks recorded played and mixed at Stockman home studio except
' Betaald ' recorded and mixed at ' Crescendo Studio Album Mastered by Marc ' Mc Fly ' with Stockman at the Crescendo studio. Special thanks to family, friends and everyone involved with this
project. Also thanks to
See links section for details
EPILOGUE By Paul Boutsen ' Het Vervolg ' Coalmines, miners and mining communities in Europe are gradually
becoming part of our heritage, a living heritage. Miners all have
the same sense of pride. But that's not all they have. The universal
feeling behind being a miner is also about solidarity, working, a
right to a dignified existence, respect for and defence of others,
melancholy and a longing for something different. If you were to bring
miners from anywhere in the world together, you would find that they
all spoke the same language. But mining communities are being exposed
to strong pressure in this world of global economies. In the northern
hemisphere, industries are closing and elsewhere exploitation continues
unabated. We are devouring our energy resources. Het Vervolg/Kolenspoorfestival
supports projects and artistic creations that contribute to the growing
respect for this living heritage.
THE WORLD OF AZQUAN An "open" story for everyone. A CD written and composed by Stockman Music for everyone who believes in magic and who has a creative mind. I'm very happy to announce a corporation with Lothar Lubitz and his Syngate label. Syngate will take care of the production and distribution from " World Of Azquan " Visit Syngate at www.syngate.net To download one of the free MP3 samples from The World of Azquan click on the CD image below. 1 Intro. Prepare to take refuge in the imagination, let the music and the images be your guide to another world. 2 Get in the mood. A song composed to get on your ease and to free your mind.
3 The Vision. You are invited to float on the music and let your thoughts run free.
4 Beyond imagination. It is the power of imagination that can make life better, you can imagine a better world for everyone...including yourself.
5 The guiding. At this stage your thoughts & imagination can bring you anywhere, let me guide you to Azquan. A world that is hidden in everyone's mind.
6 A New world. Here, you are near this new world, eagle-eyed you can see the world of Azquan. You're overwhelmed by the look of it, and you want to be part of this world.
7 The Gate of Azquan. This is the doorway to Azquan, before you can pass it, you have to bring out the best in you. Only then you're able to open the door that gives entry to Azquan.
8 Azquan people. The people of Azquan that you meet are friendly people, and they'll always welcome you in their world.
9 Ceremony. The ceremony that the people of Azquan use, will bring you happiness and joy.
10 Tree of wisdom. After the ceremony , you may follow the Elder to the tree of wisdom, where they have gathered all the knowledge of their world. You are allowed to spend some time ' talking ' to the tree.
11 The Gift. Once your visit at the tree is over,you're ready to return. At this point Azquan people always have a gift ; it is a thought to carry with you, it's their way of thanking you.
12 Enriched. Enriched by your staying in Azquan, you can easily return to your environment and experience a piece of mind and new energy.
Thanks to my lovely wife & children for their daily support. Thanks
: Carlo ( images ) Yves ( mastering ) Hammy Lipsch ( flute and sax
2, 4, 7, 9, 10 ) Anneke Lendfers ( voice 5 ) Mario Roosen ( mix assistance
11 ), CD cover: Syngate.net You are all very important to me. |
